Kingston's allocation from its winning mini-Holland bid has dropped by £1.3m - but councillors insist the project is still in budget.

Work is set to begin in April on the first of the cycling-friendly projects, a new segregated cycle lane in Portsmouth Road being the first visible sign of the cash.

The borough was one of three to get a share of a £100m pot from the Mayor of London's cycling initiative, with Kingston initially being allocated £34m to carry out schemes including a 700m boardway along the Thames and a pedestrain and cyclist-only plaza outside Kingston station.

But after haggling with administrators wound down, the figure has now been revised to £32.7m.

Councillor Richard Hudson, lead member for capital projects, said the lower figure was down to officers scrutinising more closely how much cash was really needed.

He said: "There's a general view that we can manage the budget more effectively.

"I've been pretty ruthless with them because I don't want overspend."

But he admitted the true cost would not be known "until you actually put the spade in the ground".

Last year the Surrey Comet reported Kingston Council was gunning for a £41m share of the pot, amid fears some parts of the scheme might fall by the wayside if that figure was not reached.

But Coun Hudson added: "Everything is still currently in the programme."

Liberal Democrat leader Liz Green said: "It's still a shedload of money for some hopefully very good improvements.

"I'm pleased that this one is coming forward as the first scheme.

"It's drastically needed."

The Portsmouth Road plans, costing some £1.3m, will come before councillors at a meeting next week, before residents are asked for their views.

Workers will also investigate whether improvement works will affect a population of bats living near the road.

  • The meeting will be held at the Guildhall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 13.